Hachiko Statue忠犬ハチ公像

Snap a photo in front of Shibuya’s main meeting point, a statue honoring the most loyal dog in Japan

At first glance the small Hachiko Statue near Shibuya Scramble Crossing may not appear particularly impressive. It’s only upon hearing the story of the actual dog that you can really appreciate its significance. In the 1920s, this Akita dog would journey to Shibuya Station to wait for his owner to arrive back from his daily commute. One day his owner did not return from work, having suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage. This did not deter Hachiko though, who returned to the same spot to wait for his owner every day for the next nine years.

The dog has gone on to become a symbol of enduring loyalty nationwide, and the statue in his memory serves as a fitting meeting point for city residents.